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Havana Journal supports Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act

This post is based on emails received at Havana Journal. We support LAWG and Christopher Baker and encourage Havana Journal readers to take action to support this Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act.

From Latin America Working Group

Big news! We now have legislation in the House of Representatives calling for an end to the travel ban on Cuba for all Americans. “Travel for All” instead of “Travel for None” or even “Travel for Some.” Take action now: ask your representative to co-sponsor H.R. 874.

The purpose of H.R. 874 is “To allow travel between the United States and Cuba” - but the most important thing to remember about it is that it will allow travel for all Americans, no exclusions. It was introduced by Representatives Bill Delahunt (D-MA) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ), along with a short list of original co-sponsors.

The message: Please co-sponsor H.R. 874, the Delahunt-Flake bill “To allow travel between the United States and Cuba.”

This bill introduced by Rep. Delahunt (D-MA) and Rep. Flake (R-AZ) calls for lifting travel restrictions to Cuba for ALL Americans, restoring our right as citizens of the United States to travel freely, and takes a giant step toward restoring our country’s reputation in Latin America and the world.

Thank you for your support in ending this inhumane and out-dated travel ban. To co-sponsor H.R. 874 please contact either Cliff Stammerman in Rep. Delahunt’s office or Chandler Morse in Rep. Flake’s office.
Or, send your representative an e-mail with this same message about Cuba travel.

Give us your feedback. Send LAWG a message at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or give us a call at (202) 546-7010 and tell us about your contact with your congressional office.

Here are some questions we would ask of you:

* How did you contact your member’s office; did you call or e-mail them?
* Did your member’s office agree or disagree with your position on Cuba policy?
* Did the office agree or seem interested in co-sponsoring H.R. 874?
* Does the office need more information or a follow-up conversation?

To read H.R. 874 and to see current co-sponsors, visit Thomas.gov then search for bills and enter H.R. 874 in the search box.

Thank you for your commitment to changing Cuba policy and for answering our calls for action. Together we can use this unique opportunity to change U.S.-Cuba policy.

Cuba’s President Castro Sends Positive Signals to the New Obama Administration

U.S. officials note the change in tone by Raul Castro and his ailing brother, Fidel

By Thomas Omestad

The Obama administration has taken note of remarks both by Cuban President Raul Castro and by his brother, former President Fidel Castro, expressing, in part, positive sentiments about Barack Obama and the significance of his presidency, according to a senior State Department official. Both Castros, using somewhat different language, have said they view Obama as intelligent and sincere in wanting to change U.S. foreign policy and see his presidency as historic.

The Castros’ remarks have come since the U.S. election and have continued occasionally in interviews, comments to the media, and, in the case of Fidel Castro, his frequent articles in the Cuban press. “I think the statements are important. They’ve registered,” said the State Department official.

I had seen this and do not recall ever seeing anything like this in the past. Positive signals between high up US officials and high up Cuban officials??? Imagine that! This is good news. It shows that the relationship between the countries during the Obama administration will be different than with any past US president.

I am very pleased to hear RON PAUL supporting H.R.874; however, I am still worried about the “EXCEPTIONS” section of the bill. The bill is a productive step to the right direction, but needs more explanations and examples as to the “EXCEPTIONS” section. However, it would be better if the two clauses regarding public health and public safety were removed. Besides, this gives too much power to the executive branch and none to the States or the Congress.